Flood defence barriers and methods of erecting flood defence barriers

ABSTRACT

A temporary flood defense barrier suitable for at least partially surrounding a structure, the barrier comprises a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen being fixed to and extending from a surface of the base; wherein the barrier is formed by connecting at least two of said sections together along their adjacent edges; the number of sections being dependent on the size and shape of the structure to be surrounded.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United Kingdom National Patent Application Serial No. GB1502270.0, filed Feb. 11, 2015, for “Flood Defense Barriers and Methods of Erecting Flood Defense Barriers.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to flood defense barriers and methods of erecting flood defense barriers, and in particular to temporary flood defense barriers and methods of erecting temporary flood defense barriers.

BACKGROUND

The closest prior art known to the applicant is the use of sandbags as a temporary flood defense system, wherein sandbags are arranged around the periphery of a building or are concentrated at the doorways of a property in order to prevent floodwater from reaching the interior of the property. A sandbag barrier is typically comprised of multiple bags made of plastics material which are filled with sand and arranged beside and on top of one another adjacent a property susceptible to flooding.

Sandbags are often preferred to other forms of flood defense barrier due to the availability of sand and therefore the inexpensive cost of producing sufficient sandbags to provide a flood defense barriers to a large number of properties in a town or city. Sandbags also provide a relatively effective makeshift flood defense means without the requirement for additional flood defense infrastructure.

However, for sandbags to be an effective form of flood defense they must be arranged properly. An improperly arranged sandbag barrier will only offer a minimal flood defense and will not ultimately prevent floodwater from entering a property. Training is often therefore required to show members of the public how to erect effective barriers. This requires the time and effort of trained people such as the armed and/or emergency forces and therefore, where flooding is occurring in an area which isn't prepared and trained, the effectiveness of sandbags is minimal. Moreover, the construction of a sandbag barrier requires someone with plenty of strength. It is therefore difficult or impossible for the less able or elderly to protect their properties where flash-flooding is occurring or where help cannot be offered, i.e. in an emergency or remote location.

A further disadvantage of the closest prior art is that when floodwater comes into contact with the outer brickwork of a building, the brickwork can be damaged. Therefore, even though sandbags will provide some protection to a building, lasting damage may still be incurred even where floodwater does reach the building's exterior and/or interior.

Furthermore, it can also be difficult to dispose of sandbags once they have been used. First, the plastic used for the bags can be damaged by ultraviolet light once left out in the sun. This can cause the bags to split, making the disposal of the contained sand difficult. Additionally, if water has breached any of the bags, the bags could be contaminated by hazardous materials carried by the floodwater. Therefore, the contained sand must be disposed of in an appropriate manner, such as at a waste and recycling center. Improper disposal onto a garden or public area can, in extreme cases, increase the spread of illness and infection, for example, if contaminated sand enters an open wound.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon current flood defense systems and barriers and to improve the speed, ease of assembly and effectiveness of flood defense systems and barriers, and in particular temporary flood defense systems for use in residential areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a temporary flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; each side edge being connectable to an adjacent side edge to form a substantially waterproof connection; whereby the barrier is formed by connecting at least two of said sections together along their adjacent side edges.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a flood defense barrier which is straightforward and quick to assemble without the requirement for additional infrastructure. The substantially waterproof connections between each section prevent floodwater from contacting the exterior or interior of a structure. The barrier also improves the ease of use to a user so that the barrier can be assembled and dismantled without training or professional assistance.

The flood defense barrier also provides an apparatus which can be reused and which does not have the potential to spill or leave hazardous material once floodwater has subsided.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises at least one attachment member which extends between the upper edge of the at least one section and a structure; whereby the attachment member holds the at least one section in a spaced apart position from the structure to which the barrier is attached. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it improves the security of the barrier. By holding each section in a spaced apart position from the structure, the outer surface (e.g. brickwork) of the structure is protected. The attachment member also minimises or prevents the risk of the screen from leaning towards the building as the floodwater level rises.

Preferably, the at least one section further comprises a beam located at said upper edge, whereby said attachment member extends between said beam and the structure. The provision of a beam at the upper edge of each section improves the strength of the barrier and also improves the ease with which the barrier is assembled.

Preferably, the at least one attachment member is integral with the at least one connectable section. An integrally formed attachment member further improves the strength of the barrier and reduces the number of components which are required to be assembled. This thereby improves the speed with which the barrier can be assembled, which is particularly advantageous in flash-flooding conditions.

Preferably, said barrier further comprises a bracket which is fixable to a structure; whereby the bracket facilitates attachment of the at least one attachment member to the structure. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the minimal amount of attachment to a structure so that the exterior of the structure is not damaged by the barrier. This is particularly useful where flooding may only occur once or twice in a year, as large permanent fixings are not required to be fixed to a structure.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises a number of supporting members which are positioned in the space fainted by the at least one attachment member; wherein the supporting members span at least partially across the length and/or width of each section. The supporting members minimise or prevent the risk of the screen from bulging inwards as the level of floodwater rises. The supporting members therefore increase the strength of the barrier and reduce the risk of flooding or damage to a protected structure.

Preferably, the barrier is collapsible. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the size of the barrier when it is not in use so that it may be easily stored by a user. It also allows a large number of barriers to be swiftly transported to flood-threatened structures in an emergency.

Preferably, the or each substantially waterproof connection comprises at least one clasp locker connection. A claps locker connection, more commonly known as a zip, provides an easy to use and substantially waterproof connection between sections. A clasp locker connection also ensures that the barrier has sufficient strength at the side edges of each section so that the barrier does not rupture under the pressure of floodwater.

Preferably, the base comprises a fillable container. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the barrier to be light and therefore easy to carry when it is not in use, but provides the barrier with sufficient weight and strength to withstand floodwater when the container is filled in use.

Preferably, the base and screen are formed of a flexible plastics material. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces the size and weight of the barrier when not in use. It also improves the adaptability of the barrier to the varying configurations of structures which are protected.

Preferably, the base further comprises a skirt which extends laterally across an outwardly facing surface of said base and between said outwardly facing surface and the ground on which the barrier is located. The skirt reduces the risk of floodwater seeping underneath the base of each section. It also therefore reduces the risk of movement of the barrier once it has been assembled, which might otherwise cause damage to a property.

Preferably, the base of at least one section incorporates a fluid entry and exit point. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be filled with a fluid or material with fluid-like properties.

Preferably, an entry and exit point is incorporated in the base of each section for allowing fluid or a material with fluid-like properties to fill each respective base. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be swiftly filled.

Preferably, the base of each connectable section is in fluid connection with the base of an adjacent section once the barrier is formed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the base of each section to be swiftly filled via a fluid entry and exit point of another base.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises a pump for facilitating the entry of fluid or a material with fluid-like properties into each base. A pump increases the speed with which the base of each section can be filled. This is particularly advantageous in flash-flooding situations.

Preferably, the screen of at least one of said connectable sections further comprises a doorway or window. A doorway or window allows people or objects to enter and exit the barrier once it has been assembled. A doorway or window also improves the ventilation around a structure once the barrier has been assembled so that an increase in moisture levels does not damage the exterior of the structure.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises a supporting frame, and said doorway or window is reinforced by a supporting frame. A reinforcing supporting frame ensures that the provision of a doorway or window does not reduce the strength of the barrier.

Preferably, the screen of the at least one section is transparent or translucent. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows people within a structure such as a house to see outside the barrier when the barrier is assembled. This improves the awareness of those inside to dangers which might approach when floodwater has risen.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises an anchor for rooting said barrier to the ground. This improves the rigidity of the barrier and minimises the risk of floodwater or strong winds shifting the barrier from its intended position.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of erecting a temporary flood defense barrier, comprising the steps of:

providing a flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; and

connecting at least two sections together along their adjacent side edges to foil a substantially waterproof connection.

This method is particularly advantageous because it provides a straightforward and quick method of erecting a flood defense barrier without the requirement for additional infrastructure. The substantially waterproof connections between each section prevent floodwater from contacting the exterior or interior of a structure. The method also improves the ease of use to a user so that the barrier can be assembled (and disassembled) without training or professional assistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a flood defense system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a corner portion of a flood defense system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the end of a section of a flood defense system.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a section of a flood defense system.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a supporting structure of a flood defense system.

FIG. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of a flood defense system shown a number of supporting struts.

FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view from above of part of a supporting frame of a flood defense system.

FIG. 7 shows perspective and side on view of a bracket and supporting structure of a flood defense system.

FIG. 8 shows a side on view of a flood defense barrier incorporating an anchor.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a flood defense barrier, incorporating an anchor, adjacent a river bank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a temporary flood defense barrier, referenced generally as 10, which comprises a number of connectable sections, such as 11, 12 and 13. Each section 11, 12, 13 comprises a base 14, 15, 16 and a screen 17, 18, 19. The screen 17, 18, 19 of each section 11, 12, 13 extends from the base 14, 15, 16. Each section 11 also incorporates an upper edge 20, and first 21 and second 22 side edges. Each of the side edges is connectable, in use, to an adjacent side edge 23 of an adjacent section 12 to form a substantially waterproof connection. The barrier 10 is formed by connecting two or more of the sections 11, 12 and 13 together along their adjacent side edges.

In use, the barrier 10 is formed around a structure 24 to be protected by connecting two or more sections 11, 12 and 13 together along their adjacent edges to partially or entirely surround the structure 24. The structure 24 may be a building such as a house or another object such as a vehicle. The number of sections used to surround the structure 24 will depend on the size of an individual section and the size and shape of the structure 24 and whether or not the structure 24 can be or needs to be entirely surrounded. For instance, where the protection of a terraced house is required, a first option would be to connect a number of sections together such that the front and rear sides of a single terraced house are protected. Alternatively, a number of sections may be connected to surround multiple houses, such as a row of terraced houses. The sections 11, 12, 13 may either be elongate “side” sections or angled “corner” sections (as shown in FIG. 2) so that a structure 24 can be surrounded without bending and negatively affecting the performance of the flood defense barrier 10. To improve the ease of use of the barrier 10, the sections are preferably substantially rectangular with side edges which are substantially straight so that connection of two adjacent sections is straightforward and to ensure that any two sections can be joined together. However, in an alternative embodiment, each section may have a ‘zigzag’ to increase the strength of the substantially waterproof connection between two adjacent sections.

The width and length of an individual section may be any size suitable to allow a user to swiftly and straightforwardly assemble the barrier 10. The height of the barrier 10 will also depend on the height sufficient to minimise floodwater flowing over the top of the barrier 10.

The screen 17 of each section 11 is preferably a substantially flat plastic curtain and the base 14 of each section 11 is preferably substantially cylindrical. To minimise the risk of floodwater flowing underneath the barrier 10 when the barrier 10 is assembled, the base 14 preferably has a flat, bottom surface (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the base 14 is prism shaped in cross-section. In either embodiment, the surface area of the base 14 which is in contact with the ground is increased.

The screen and base of each section 11, 12, 13 are preferably integrally formed or are permanently fixed to one another. However, in an alternative embodiment, they may be releasably fixable to one another using any type of fastener or sealant known to the skilled person.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier 10 further comprises a number of attachment members, such as 25, which extend between the upper edge 20 of the or each section 11 and the structure 24. In use, the attachment members 25 hold the sections 11 in a spaced apart position from the structure 24 so that the exterior of the structure 24 is kept dry. Preferably, the attachment members 25 are integral with the upper edges of each screen 17, 18, 19. However, in an alternative embodiment, the attachment members 25 are releasably fixable to both the sections of the barrier 10 and the structure 24. By holding each section in a spaced apart position from the structure 24, the outer surface (such as brickwork) of the structure 24 is protected. The attachment member 25 also minimises or prevents the risk of the screen of each section from leaning towards the structure 24 as the floodwater level rises.

The attachment member 25 may comprise a rod or cross-piece comprised of a rigid plastics or metal material so that the attachment member 25 does not bend or break as pressure is applied to each section of the barrier 10. In use, the attachment member 25 prevents or minimises the risk of the screen of each section from leaning inwards as floodwater rises against the barrier 10.

In a further preferred embodiment, each section of the barrier 10 comprises a beam, such as 26, which is located at the upper edge of each section 11, 12, 13. In this embodiment, the attachment member 25 extends between the beam 26 and the structure 24. The beam 26 improves the strength of the barrier 10 as it provides a rigid structure from which the attachment member 25 can be fixed. In this embodiment, the attachment member 25 preferably incorporates a hook 36 at the end proximal to the section such that the beam 26 is cradled by the attachment member 25. This configuration allows the beam to be straightforwardly placed on the attachment member 25 once the attachment member 25 has been attached to the structure 24.

In a yet further preferred embodiment, the barrier 10 further comprises a number of supporting members, such as 27 and 28, which are positioned in the space formed by the attachment member 25. In use, the supporting members 27, 28 comprise a series of struts and joists which span at least partially across the length and/or width of each connectable section 11, 12, 13. The supporting members 27, 28 are preferably collapsible and are attachable to the attachment member 25 once the barrier 10 has been erected. The size of the supporting members 27, 28 depends on the size of the barrier sections.

The supporting members 27, 28, shown in cross-section in FIG. 6a and from above in FIG. 6b , preferably comprise of a rigid plastics or metal material to provide sufficient strength to withstand floodwater as it rises against the screen of each section. The supporting members 27, 28 are also preferably waterproof so that any water which comes into contact with the supporting members 27, 28 does not cause the supporting members 27, 28 to rust or rot. To minimise or prevent the risk of the screens bulging as floodwater rises, the supporting members 27, 28 are preferably positioned such that they are proximal to the sections of the barrier 10.

FIG. 6b shows the hooks 36 which are preferably provided on each supporting member 27, 28 for holding the beam 26 of each section 11, 12 13 when the barrier 10 is assembled. A further attachment member 42 is preferably provided, which extends between the supporting member 27 and the structure (not shown).

In a further preferred embodiment, the supporting members 27, 28 further comprise a number of shelf portions, such as 37, for holding additional joists to further improve the strength of the barrier 10.

In a preferred embodiment each section is collapsible such that the barrier 10 can be straightforwardly dismantled and stored when not in use. The sections may be collapsible whilst still connected to one another or once each section has been disconnected from its adjacent sections.

In a further preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the substantially waterproof connection between adjacent sections 11, 12, 13 comprises one or more clasp locker (zip) connections 29 which run down the side edge, around the base and back up the side edge of each section 11, 12, 13. A zip connection 29 provides the join between two adjacent sections with a waterproof connection with sufficient strength to withstand floodwater as it rises against each section 11, 12, 13. Preferably, more than one clasp locker connection is provided to improve the waterproofing and strength of the barrier 10. In alternative embodiments, other forms of connection are provided, such as waterproof seals or fasteners between adjacent sections. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be provided.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 14, 15, 16 of each section 11, 12, 13 comprises a fillable container, which can be filled with a fluid or material with fluid-like properties when the barrier 10 is assembled. However, in an alternative embodiment, the base of each section 11, 12, 13 may comprise a solid or hollow sealed unit which does not need to be filled to be functional. The provision of a fillable container allows the barrier 10 to be lightweight when not in use so that it can be transported and stored easily, but also allows the barrier 10 to gain weight and sturdiness when in use in order to prevent or minimise the risk of floodwater reaching a protected structure.

Preferably, the base 14, 15, 16 of each section 11, 12, 13 further comprises a fluid entry and exit point 31, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that each base 14, 15, 16 can be swiftly filled and emptied in use. The fluid entry and exit point 31 of each base 14, 15, 16 may incorporate a non-return valve (not shown) such that fluid may enter each base 14, 15, 16 until the base is full, but fluid may not exit the base 14, 15, 16. This ensures that the base 14, 15, 16 of each section remains sturdy enough to prevent the flow of floodwater beyond the barrier 10. Even more preferably, the base 14 of each section is in fluid connection with the base 15 of an adjacent section once the barrier 10 is formed so that fluid can fill each base 14, 15 in a formed barrier 10 from a single fluid entry and exit point 31.

Even more preferably, the barrier 10 further comprises a pump (not shown) for facilitating the entry and/or exit of fluid from each base 14. The pump may be an automatic or a manual pump. If the pump is an electric automatic pump, the pump will be encased in a waterproof casing to minimise danger to the user.

In a preferred embodiment the base 14, 15, 16 and screen 17, 18, 19 of each section 11, 12, 13 are formed of a flexible plastics material such as polypropylene or neoprene to further improve the transportability and storability of the barrier 10 when not in use. In this embodiment, the screen of each section is lifted and attached to the attachment member 25 during assembly such that the screen hangs from the attachment member 25 to protect the structure 24 from floodwater.

In an even further preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 a, the barrier 10 further comprises a skirt 30 which runs along each base and extends between each base and the ground on which the barrier 10 is located. The skirt 30 provides an additional protective means by minimising the risk of floodwater seeping underneath the barrier 10. The skirt 30 preferably comprises a rubber or plastics material which is sufficiently pliable to conform to the contours of the ground on which the barrier 10 is located.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment wherein a section 40 of the barrier 10 whose first or second side edge 41 is adjacent a wall of a structure (not shown) comprises a brace or clamp 35 for fixing the barrier 10 to the wall. Fixing a section 40 adjacent a wall to the wall with the brace or clamp 35 minimises the risk of floodwater flowing past the barrier 10 between the barrier 10 and a structure.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment where the screen 17 of the barrier 10 incorporates a doorway or window 32. The doorway/window 32 allows people or objects to enter and exit the barrier 10 once the barrier 10 has been assembled. The doorway/window 32 also improves the ventilation around the structure 24 once the barrier 10 has been assembled so that an increase in moisture levels does not damage the exterior of the structure 24. The doorway/window 32 may be formed from a flap of screen material which is closable via a clasp locker connection or an alternative connection and/or fastener. In order to prevent a weakening of the barrier 10, each doorway/window 32 is reinforced by a supporting frame 33. The supporting frame 33, which preferably comprises a wire lattice, holds the structure of the barrier 10 together to ensure that the barrier 10 is not weakened by the opening of the doorway/window 32.

In a preferred embodiment, the screen of each section is transparent or translucent to allow users to see through the barrier 10 whilst inside the barrier 10. This improves the awareness of users to potential dangers which might threaten the protected structure 24, such as large or fast-flowing objects.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, a bracket 34 is provided on an outer surface 38 of the structure 24 to facilitate attachment of the attachment member 25 to the structure 24. In this embodiment, the attachment member 25 comprises an L-shaped protrusion and the bracket 34 comprises a recess corresponding to the attachment member 25 such that the attachment member can be placed into the bracket 34. In embodiments alternative to that shown in FIG. 7, the bracket 34 comprises a metal plate incorporating a number of screw holes for fixing the attachment member 25 to the structure 24. Attachment of the attachment member 25 to the structure 24 may take the form of any known attachment means known to the skilled person.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the barrier 10 further comprises an anchor 43 which is placed in the ground on which the barrier 10 is assembled. An anchor 43 is preferably integrally formed with each supporting member 27, 28 so that in use, when the barrier 10 has been assembled, the harrier 10 is prevented from shifting, This is particularly useful where strong winds, or the force of floodwater, might otherwise force the barrier 10 from its intended position. Alternatively, each supporting member 27, 28 comprises an opening (not shown) through which the anchor 43 can be placed to secure the barrier 10.

In one embodiment, the anchor 43 comprises a socket 44 which is placed into the ground in a location where the barrier 10 is to be erected, and an insert 45 which is attached to the supporting member 27 and inserted into the socket 44 when the barrier 10 is assembled. In alternative embodiments, the anchor 43 may comprise a large screw which is screwed into the ground without the need for a socket, or a similarly a peg with an upper portion comprising a lip (not shown) may be provided to secure the barrier 10 in place.

FIG. 9 shows a barrier 100 comprising a number of sections 101, 102, 103, 104 which are positioned adjacent a riverbank in order to minimise the risk of flooding. The barrier 100 may alternatively be positioned adjacent any other waterway or adjacent any area susceptible to flooding from a given direction.

The barrier 100 of FIG. 9 comprises a number of sections 101, 102, 103, 104 which are arranged as a substantially straight line adjacent the riverbank. A number of supporting members 105, 106, 107 at spaced apart points along the barrier 100. These may either be connected to a single section 101, 102, 103, 104 each or at a connection between two adjacent sections, e.g. supporting member 106 at sections 102 and 103. In an alternative embodiment a supporting member is provided for each section which is part of the barrier. In this embodiment, an anchor 43 is provided with each supporting member 105, 106, 107 to fix the barrier 100 in place. This minimises the risk of floodwater or strong winds shifting the barrier. In this embodiment, a number of additional joists are provided which extend at spaced apart positions along the length of the connected sections. The joists may be inserted prior to connection of adjacent sections or once each of the sections has been connected together, i.e. a single joist spans the length of the entire barrier 100. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A temporary flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; each side edge being connectable to an adjacent side edge to form a substantially waterproof connection; whereby the barrier is formed by connecting at least two of said sections together along their adjacent side edges.
 2. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the barrier further comprises at least one attachment member which extends between the upper edge of the at least one section and a structure; whereby the attachment member holds the at least one section in a spaced apart position from the structure to which the barrier is attached.
 3. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 2, wherein the at least one section further comprises a beam located at said upper edge, whereby said attachment member extends between said beam and the structure.
 4. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 2, wherein the at least one attachment member is integral with the at least one connectable section.
 5. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 2, wherein said barrier further comprises a bracket which is fixable to a structure; whereby the bracket facilitates attachment of the at least one attachment member to the structure.
 6. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 2, wherein the barrier further comprises a number of supporting members which are positioned in the space formed by the at least one attachment member; wherein the supporting members span at least partially across the length and/or width of each section.
 7. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the barrier is collapsible.
 8. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially waterproof connection comprises at least one clasp locker connection.
 9. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a fellable container.
 10. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the base and screen are formed of a flexible plastics material.
 11. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a skirt which extends laterally across an outwardly facing surface of said base and between said outwardly facing surface and the ground on which the barrier is located.
 12. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 9, wherein the base of the at least one section incorporates a fluid entry and exit point.
 13. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 12, wherein an entry and exit point is incorporated in the base of each section for allowing fluid or a material with fluid-like properties to fill each respective base.
 14. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the base of each connectable section is in fluid connection with the base of an adjacent section once the barrier is formed.
 15. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 9, wherein the barrier further comprises a pump for facilitating the entry of fluid or a material with fluid-like properties into each base.
 16. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the screen of at least one of said connectable sections further comprises a doorway or window.
 17. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 16, wherein the barrier further comprises a supporting frame, and said doorway or window is reinforced by a supporting frame.
 18. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, wherein the screen of the at least one or each section is transparent or translucent.
 19. A temporary flood defense barrier according to claim 1, further comprising an anchor for rooting said barrier to the ground.
 20. A method of erecting a temporary flood defense barrier, comprising the steps of: providing a flood defense barrier comprising a number of connectable sections; wherein each section comprises a base and a screen; the screen extending from the base; each section incorporating an upper edge, a first and a second side edge; and connecting at least two sections together along their adjacent side edges to form a substantially waterproof connection. 